In vitro regeneration by somatic embryogenesis is highly varietal spec
ific in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Highest frequency of regeneration
has been reported in Coker varieties. However, even within Coker vari
eties, there is seed to seed variation for regeneration(1,2). There is
no report of in vitro regeneration of major Indian cultivars through
the somatic embryogenesis pathway. We report here identification of ge
notypes within variety MCU-5 that regenerate profusely by somatic embr
yogenesis. This variety is extensively grown in the southern cotton zo
ne of India. Regeneration by somatic embryogenesis has been achieved b
y a modification of the earlier in vitro culture protocols of Trolinde
r and Goodin(3) and Firoozabady and DeBoer(4). Complete plants could b
e regenerated through somatic embryogenesis from hypocotyl explants in
6-7 months.